Applied Geomechanics in the E&P Industry: Best Practices and Recent Technological Developments

29 – 30 April 2014

Guadalajara, Mexico | Hotel Real Inn Centro

About this Workshop

Abstract

It is widely documented that improved (optimized) hydrocarbon exploration and production strategies and plans have been attained when geomechanical issues are included during the front end loading (FEL) planning stage. Important reductions in well construction time and costs, and enhanced well integrity have been achieved through prospective analysis of geomechanics-related drilling problems. Moreover, important increases in production rates have been accomplished by means of multi-fractured horizontal well implementation to develop reservoirs with low permeability. Additionally, significant costs savings and optimum sand-free production have been achieved when operating conditions for the onset of sand production are timely.

Operators, NOCs, and IOCs have taken the challenge to explore and produce hydrocarbons from new opportunities in deeper water, HP/HT, and low permeability reservoirs. In order to meet this challenge, Geomechanical evaluations are a key for efficient, safe well drilling and completion, and improved production. Furthermore, when developing a producing field or asset a Geomechanics study would focus not only on the reservoir rock, but also on understanding the stress changes in the overburden, that might have occurred during production and/or account for the complex stress rotations around salt domes and faults.

Basically three components can make a great difference for an exploration drilling success: a good operational planning, knowledge of the geological environment, and good quality 3D seismic data for reveling the variations and distribution of the pore pressure, elastic and rock mechanics parameters. Traditional Geomechanics studies have focused on a single well to identify, predict, and prevent costly events and to optimally manage that well. More and more, the industry is considering the impact of Geomechanics in the reservoir, beyond the single well model, and up to field development planning and management.

In this workshop the most relevant and recently documented results and best practices concerning geomechanics applications in the E&P industry will be addressed and discussed.

Workshop Guidelines

Workshops maximize the exchange of ideas among attendees and presenters through brief technical presentations followed by extended Q&A periods. Focused topics attract an informed audience eager to discuss issues critical to advancing both technology and best practices.

Many of the presentations are in the form of case studies, highlighting engineering achievements and lessons learned. In order to stimulate frank discussion, no proceedings are published and members of the press are not invited to attend.

Documentation

Proceedings from the workshop will not be published; therefore, formal papers and handouts are not requested of speakers or panel members. A URL containing released copies of the workshop presentations will be available to attendees following the workshop.

Commercialism

In remaining consistent with workshop objectives and SPE guidelines, commercialism in presentations will not be permitted. Company logos should be used only to indicate the affiliation of the presenter(s).

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Attendees will receive 1.6 CEUs.

One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation. CEUs will be awarded through SPE Professional Development for participation and completion of SPE workshop. A permanent record of a participant’s involvement and awarding of CEUs will be maintained by SPE.

Attendance Certificate

All attendees will receive a certificate from SPE attesting their participation.